The effective social worker or family counselor delivering health care services to the American Indian community will focus on the strengths rather than the weaknesses of the community and will recognize and use existing natural helping systems. The American Indian family network, for example, is unique in Western society and contains a variety of natural helping groups. Tribal ceremonies, medicine men, spiritual leaders, interpretation of individual dreams and visions, and the Indian's attunement with nature are all available for therapeutic use. The self-help group is probably the best model to use in mobilizing the helping systems inherent in the Indian community. The group may consist of various family members; of people united by a common problem, such as alcoholism; or of a network of neighbors, friends, and relatives. The group should follow a task-centered approach rather than a rational or cathartic approach; and the therapist should act as a facilitator, helping the group develop its own problem-solving style. The professional must be aware of the need for new, still-to-be-discovered techniques for counseling American Indian families. (JH)